NAVAL POLICY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 45, 23 October 1913, Page 5

NAVAL POLICY

BRITAIN AND GERMANY. SEMI-OFFICIAL STATEMENT. [By Electric Teles rami—Copyright'] [United Press Association.] Berlin, October 22. A semi-official statement states there is no doubt .of Mr Churchill's sincerity of good intentions. There was not a word spoken which could impair the development of Anglo-Ger-man friendliness, but the path whereon ho seeks an amelioration of armament conditions would hardly lead to the goal he aims at. LESSON OF NELSON’S LIFE. London, October 22. Lord Selbourne stated that he did not think that electioneering speeches as a method .of opening communication with foreign Powers should he repeated. The alternatives of a blast from a syren with a murmur from a flute could produce nothing except international discord. 1 The proper channel for such communications was the Foreign Office, which was quite competent to conduct negotiations and improve relations with our foreign neighbours. It was impertinent of Great Britain to dictate to any foreign nation in respect of what concerned them alone. The naval standard best suited to the present British requirements was two keels to one of the, next strongest European naval Power. That standard was within our national means, and would enable us to fully secure the great duty and responsibility of ensuring the development of every part of the Empire. It would also enable us not to exclude the Mediterranean control. Th Mediterranean was as essential as the control of the North Sea and the Channel. The lesson of Nelson’s life was greatly needed to ho learnt today. It was not what a man could got out of his country, but what he coi’M give if.

The wreaths on the Nelson column incluclerl several from tlio Australian and Now Zealand Navy Leagues and the Australian Navy.

NEED FOR CO-OPERATION-

Times— Sydney Sun Special Cables London, October 22.

The Navy League has addressed a pronouncement. ofr the naval situation to the people of the Empire. It declares that the:,time has arrived for the*'establishment of a closer relationship in Imperial defence. It also urges the Imperial Government to take" steps immediately to promote closer co-operation with the sister nations and create a central Tnmerial Council to deal with the problems of Empire naval defence. It advocates a standard of two keels to one in capital ehips against the next strongest natiop, and also the creation of an limfcVial squadron to show the flag and enforce diplomatic rights in any part of the world. CANADA AND THE NAVY. Ottawa, October 22. The Conservatives won the by-elec-tion at East Middlesex, Ontario. It was chiefly fought on Mr Borden’s naval policy.